Olympian takes Honister Challenge

An Olympic silver medallist has swapped the fast-flowing water of the slalom for the heady heights of the Lake District fells, as he took on the challenge of the mighty Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine.

38 year old slalom canoer Campbell Walsh has previously competed in two Summer Olympics and is best known for winning the K-1 event in the 2004 Athens games. He is also a former European and World Cup champion in the event.

The Scottish Olympic stopped off at Honister for an outdoor adventure in the Lakes, before jetting off to his current role as a trainer for the British Canoeing Team as they prepare for the upcoming Rio Olympics this August.

Taking on the Via Ferrata Xtreme, Campbell scaled a series of rungs, ladders and bridges along the old Victorian miner’s footpath up the side of Fleetwith Pike, before ‘skywalking’ across the daunting Infiniti Bridge, more than 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

Adam Hocking, from Honister Slate Mine, guided Campbell on the Via Feratta. He says, “Canoe slalom is a spectacular watersport, but this was something a little bit different for Campbell. He was definitely up for the challenge though, andit was great to be introducing him to an outdoor experience which epitomises what the Lake District is all about.”

Adam adds, “Of course, you don’t have to be an Olympian to take on the Via Ferrata. It’s a safe outdoor activity which can help anyone step right out of their comfort zone and develop a healthy sense of adventure.”

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Located at the head of Honister Pass in the centre of the Lake District, Honister Slate Mine offers a range of indoor and outdoor adventures for a range of ages and abilities. Honister is also the last working slate mine in England and home to the iconic Westmoorland Green Slate.